A head start on the college rush

10 ways for soon-to-be seniors to use summer wisely

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- When this year's high school juniors finish their final exams, starting the college application process likely will be the last thing on their minds.

But after the social events that mark their rise to the top of the heap pass, new seniors are wise to use summer break to prepare for their own transition to college, instead of putting it off until the fall crunch, education planners say.

"It's hard for students to balance the stresses of the college search with the natural inclination to relax over the summer," said Jane Schoenfeld, a certified educational planner in St. Louis. "Somehow they need to find a way to do a little bit of both."

New seniors typically underestimate the time it takes to assemble and polish their applications, said Tim Lee, an independent education consultant in Sudbury, Mass. "You need to be thorough and organized about this so the best outcome is available to you."

Those who procrastinate often end up making mistakes in the last-minute rush to finish their paperwork, jeopardizing the academic record colleges find most valuable, Lee said. "Fall of senior year is when you need to be doing the best you've ever done."

10 ways to get ahead

Write a generic admission essay. The essay is students' opportunity to personalize their applications and give admissions officers a sense of who they are apart from grades and SAT scores. Compiling a list of extracurricular activities may help them flesh out ideas, said Lynn Hamilton, a certified education planner in Santa Barbara. "It's hard to remember what you did since freshman year and they want to know."

Complete one college admission application. Most schools haven't printed their applications for the 2003-04 academic year yet, but students can use this year's forms as a template and transfer the information when the new forms arrive. Resource sites such as Commonapp.org and Embark.com can help, Lee said.

Lay the groundwork to collect reference letters. The end of the school year is a good time to check in with teachers, guidance counselors and coaches who may appreciate having the request long in advance of when the letter is needed.

Develop a preliminary list of colleges. Most students generate a list of six to 12 candidates, Hamilton said. She advises dividing the list into thirds, with a third of the desired schools considered a stretch, a third that stand a good chance of offering admission and the remainder where acceptance is extremely likely.

Visit or plan to visit campuses. Parents often find it easier to travel during the summer, and escorting their kids on campus tours where they can see the resources is often invaluable. Of course, costs quickly can add up. A strategy for reducing them is to visit local colleges that represent choices the student still is exploring, Schoenfeld said. "If the student is undecided about small versus big, see one of each." New seniors can also meet with alumni representatives in the area in lieu of traveling great distances for an onsite experience.

Participate in interesting activities. "Do something purposeful this summer," Hamilton said. Whether it's a summer job, volunteer work or learning a new language, admissions officers like to see a sincere passion and commitment to a few interests outside the classroom, Schoenfeld said. "Colleges are looking for people who are not only bright and capable, but also are going to bring something to that campus."

Keep a summer journal. Daily writing enhances skills, brings goals into focus and shores up ideas for a key part of the application, Lee said. "The personal essay may come from keeping track of some of the experiences you have -- not only in a summer job or activity but in interactions with others on a daily basis."

Plan to take SAT, ACT or SAT II. Keep a timeline of test registration dates, review classes if you have them or goals to achieve ahead of the test date. Sites such as CollegeBoard.com and Review.com can help you stay on track and brush up your techniques.

Begin the scholarship search. Resist the urge to pay an outside service to do it for you, Hamilton said. Instead, sift through merit and need-based options on sites like FinAid.org.

Read. Reading expands your vocabulary, world view and comprehension and can boost your verbal score on the SAT. Plus, admission officers often ask what a student is reading, Lee said. The title is rarely as important as the activity itself. New seniors who want to get ahead can ask teachers and librarians for recommended reading lists.

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